“This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” Jackson and Stapleton said in a joint statement to Variety. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs’ story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture’s broader contributions.”
The series marks a significant milestone in Jackson's production career, with his G-Unit Film & Television banner overseeing the project alongside Stapleton's House of Nonfiction. Jackson first announced the series in December after Combs was sued by four women, including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, whose lawsuit in November 2023 opened the floodgates for more accusations. Ventura settled her case out of court, but further lawsuits soon followed.
Combs was arrested in New York last week and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to the charges but remains in custody after being denied bail during an appeal hearing.
Despite the mounting allegations, Combs has consistently denied any wrongdoing. After a video leaked in May showing him physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel, he took to social media, issuing a public apology and taking "full responsibility" for his actions. This was his first and only admission of misconduct, following years of denying various accusations.
“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” Combs said in a statement posted to social media in December. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
The post, which read "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," was later removed from Combs' Instagram account but remains pinned to his X (formerly Twitter) profile.
In March, Homeland Security agents raided Combs' Los Angeles and Miami properties. Shortly afterward, Combs shared a clip from his 1998 music video "Victory," with the caption "Bad Boy for life," in what appeared to be a symbolic reference to his past defiance against law enforcement.
50 Cent, a vocal critic of Combs on social media, has repeatedly used these events to underscore the importance of the documentary. After former model Crystal McKinney's lawsuit against Combs surfaced, Jackson posted on Instagram: "TMZ use this fat boy picture of me because their doc went to Tubi LOL. It’s ok guys we’re all making good television, mine just happens to be the best! NETFLIX wins the bidding war but if more victims keep coming out, I’m gonna need more episodes."
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